Questioning God’s Will

Teaching

July 31, 2015

Have you ever stepped back and looked at your own life as a bystander? You know, where you reflect on how far God has brought you? I think as Christians this is vital.

As I stood on the soil in the Garden of Gethsemane a few days ago, I experienced one of those very moments. Never in a million years would I have imagined just how far the will of God would take me.

As a young adult, I entered college with the intent of pursuing a degree in music. It made sense. I grew up playing the saxophone and was gifted to do so. Yet, I found myself unsettled and stirred for more. God had different plans for me.

God rarely reveals his plan for us all at once. More often, he gives us one step at a time. Even when situations seem unclear, He has the plan! We think we’ve got it bad … Jesus knew certain death was in His future. Yet He trusted God, and now we know God’s plan didn’t end in death and destruction, but in resurrection and redemption for mankind!

What did Jesus do when seeking the will of the Father? He prayed. He went away to a specific place at an intentional time. He was consistent and disciplined. He made time just for Him and His Father. There He prayed. There he found peace.

Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done (Luke 22:42).

Knowing all that awaited Him, Jesus was overtaken by such deep sorrow that his sweat turned to blood. Yet he submitted—even when it hurt.

Sometimes, we have to do the same, we have to sweat it out. We have to stay steadfast, trust God, obey when no one notices, and do what God says even when nothing is happening. The will of God is not promised to be the easiest option, but oh! the fullness in it.

All of these thoughts came flooding over me as I stood on that foreign soil. I had been given the opportunity to minister His Gospel in the exact place it originally unfolded. My feet touched the same ground where blood was poured out for me. Overwhelming gratitude gripped my heart.

So what circumstances are you questioning? Are you in search of your life’s calling? Do you need direction in a day-to-day decision? Let me assure you of this … He cares and wants to be a part of the process. Find a place today, make time and talk with Him.

Trusting God isn’t always easy. Even Jesus agonized over what lay in front of Him. But what we don’t see in our future, God has in His hands. I’m praying for you today to say, “nevertheless, Father, not My will, but Your will, be done” and to watch His plan unfold before you.